Wicket will test visiting players

It may have lost some of its traditional zip but Angus Rathie believes there’s enough in the Gabba wicket to test England’s batsmen.

The Toowoomba Cricket Association president said the nature of Australia’s traditional wickets would play on the minds of new England players during the Ashes series which starts today in Brisbane.

“The Gabba deck will be harder and faster then the ones they are used to,” Rathie said.

“That might unsettle some of the new batsmen in the middle order.”

Handing the gloves to Tim Paine has raised a few eyebrows but Rathie believes the Tasmanian is the right man for the job.

“I think he is the best wicket-keeper batsman we have right now,” he said.

“I just think he’s been a little bit unlucky in terms of injuries at bad times in his career, he’s a professional though and you often see those guys given a second chance in the team really take their opportunities.”

Rathie said taking opportunities would be the key to success in the series.

“The whole team has to chip in,” he said.

“To win in Test cricket you need to take 20 wickets and all the batsmen need to chip in and score.

“You can’t afford to switch off for a single session because whoever gets their nose in front early generally wins.